A good body exfoliant is like a weekly mini-spa treatment for your skin. Sloughing away those dead skin cells reveals softer, smoother, and more radiant skin underneath. But not all exfoliants are created equal. Harsh formulas can cause irritation and micro-tears. The key is finding an exfoliant that nourishes while it buffs. That’s where vitamin E enriched body exfoliants truly shine.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and emollient for skin. It helps protect against damage from UV rays and pollution. It also seals in moisture and strengthens the skin barrier. By combining vitamin E with gentle exfoliating particles, you get the best of both worlds – removal of dulling surface cells plus hydration and protection.
After testing countless vitamin E infused scrubs, gels, and lotions, we rounded up the top 5 body exfoliants delivering serious skin pampering. Keep reading to discover our favorites and the key to choosing your perfect vitamin E exfoliant match.
1. Osea Undaria Algae Body Polish
The Undaria Algae Body Polish from Osea is a standout vitamin E exfoliant. Algae is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and emollient oils to nourish skin. Fine botanical powders provide gentle yet effective exfoliation. And vitamin E from sunflower seed oil seals in that moisture.
This polish has a thick creamy texture that applies smoothly. The smell is an earthy, herbaceous blend of algae, lavender, and citrus. A little goes a long way, transforming rough dull skin into a touchably soft surface.
We love how it leaves skin ultra hydrated and luminous. It’s gentle enough for daily use but also delivers satisfying smoothing and brightening. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and largely organic.
Price: $42 for 5 ounces Where to Buy: Osea website, Amazon, and select spas/boutiques
Best For: Normal, dry, mature, and sensitive skin. Provides intense nourishing and antioxidant protection.
2. Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Exfoliating Mask
For an exfoliant that double-duties as a mask, reach for this gem from Andalou Naturals. Pumpkin honey enzymes dissolve dull skin cells while glycolic acid lifts them away. Vitamin C brightens while vitamin E, sunflower oil, and shea butter nourish.
The texture is a smooth honey-like gel that spreads easily over damp skin. It smells like autumn with a sweet spiced pumpkin scent. Apply after cleansing and let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Skin looks renewed, refined, and positively glowing.
It contains fruit stem cells and resveratrol for anti-aging benefits. We appreciate the affordable price point, cruelty-free formula, and recyclable packaging. Use 1-2 times per week as a mask or daily as a body exfoliant.
Price: $12 for 1.7 ounces Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Sprouts, Amazon
Best For: All skin types including sensitive and mature. Provides gentle exfoliation with bonus antioxidant mask benefits.
3. Tree To Tub Vitamin C Body Scrub
For a smoothing and brightening vitamin cocktail, reach for Tree To Tub Vitamin C Body Scrub. Fine coconut shell powder buffs away dry rough skin. Vitamins C and E tackle hyperpigmentation and boost collagen. Oils like aloe vera, coconut, and shea deliver supreme nourishment.
We love the refreshing citrus-herbal scent and that a little scrub goes a long way. This body polish immediately leaves skin looking renewed and healthy. The gel-cream texture offers just the right scrubbing power.
It’s a unisex formula friendly for all skin types. We also appreciate the vegan, cruelty-free ingredients, recyclable packaging, and fair trade sourced shea butter. Use 2-3 times a week post-shower for optimum smoothing and brightening benefits.
Price: $15 for 6 ounces Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart
Best For: All skin types and genders. Balances exfoliation with vitamin antioxidants.
4. Eva Naturals Vitamin C Scrub
For an exfoliant that kick-starts collagen production, reach for this Vitamin C Scrub by Eva Naturals. Fine sugar crystals provide the scrubbing action to remove dull cells and reveal radiant skin. Vitamin C boosts collagen while vitamin E, oils, and shea butter nourish and soften.
This invigorating citrus scrub has an uplifting grapefruit scent. The texture is gritty but not overly harsh, giving just the right amount of polishing power. Skin feels super smooth yet moisturized after use, never stripped or dried out.
We like how a little product goes a long way, making this budget-friendly scrub last months. Eva Naturals is also Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. It’s ideal for all skin types who want to stimulate collagen and nix dull rough texture. Use 2-3 times a week post-shower or bath.
Price: $15 for 10 ounces Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart
Best For: All skin types, especially those seeking collagen boost. Brightens while smoothing skin.
5. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub
Don’t let the name fool you – this facial scrub by Acure works wonders from face to feet. Fine sea kelp powder provides gentle scrubbing action. Vitamin E and argan oil deeply moisturize while vitamin C evens skintone. The texture is a light fluffy mousse that lathers into a creamy foam.
It has an uplifting citrus scent that energizes the senses. We found it immediately smooths and softens while delivering a healthy glow. A little goes a long way, making the jar last months.
Acure is cruelty-free, vegan, recycled, and recyclable. Use as an allover luxurious body scrub 2-3 times weekly after cleansing. It’s ideal for all skin types needing both exfoliation and brightening.
Price: $10 for 4 ounces Where to Buy: Target, Whole Foods, Amazon
Best For: All skin types, especially those seeking a radiance boost. Gently exfoliates and brightens.
How to Choose Your Perfect Vitamin E Body Exfoliant
With so many vitamin E enriched body exfoliants out there, how do you choose your skin’s ideal match? Consider the following factors:
Skin Type and Concerns
First assess your skin type – normal, dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination. Are there any particular concerns like dullness, dryness, uneven tone, or breakouts? Choose an exfoliant formula that aligns with your skin’s needs.
For example, drier and more mature skin benefits from thicker creamy scrubs with ultra-nourishing ingredients like oils, butters, aloe, and plant milks. Oily and acne-prone skin does better with gel or powder exfoliant textures that aren’t overly rich.
Formula Texture
Scrubs, masks, gels, powders, and more – vitamin E body exfoliants come in a variety of formats. Consider your preference in terms of usage and results.
Scrubs offer more intensive exfoliating with the help of physical particles like salt, sugar, jojoba beads, etc. That makes them ideal for targeting rougher elbows and heels.
Gels and creams rely more on chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids. The smooth lightweight textures cover more surface area quickly.
Powders create a frothy mousse when activated with water. Use them if you dislike oils, butters, or thicker textures.
Mask hybrids allow the exfoliant to work over several minutes before rinsing. Great for drier climates where skin needs added moisture.
Nourishing Ingredients
Look for exfoliants with nourishing oils, butters, aloe vera, antioxidants, plant milks, and more. This balances the exfoliating action to prevent dryness or irritation. Key ingredients like vitamin E should come from natural sources, not synthetic.
Gentle Exfoliant Particles
Harsher beady scrubs can cause micro-tears in the skin. Seek out formulas with smoother round particles like jojoba, sugar, salt, etc. Plastic microbeads are also too abrasive and bad for the environment.
Fragrance
Scent preference is subjective. Seek out natural plant-based aromas that you find relaxing if you enjoy fragrance. Or avoid any added perfumes if sensitive to synthetics.
Ease of Use
Consider when and how you plan to use the exfoliant. Gel and liquid scrubs are easiest to use in the shower. Bulkier scrubs and masks require more time and sink space. Finer powders can create a mess.
Ethical and Eco-Friendly
Look for cruelty-free, vegan formulas in recycled packaging when possible. Exfoliants with sustainably sourced ingredients are ideal. This benefits you while also protecting the earth.
Budget
Vitamin E body exfoliants range from $10 to $50+ depending on size, formula, and brand. Compare ingredients and reviews. Sometimes a smaller size of a pricier brand ends up being cheaper per use.
Reviews
Check reviews from sources you trust as well as verified buyer reviews. This gives helpful insight on real-world performance you can’t get from the bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin E Body Exfoliants
How often should I use a vitamin E enriched body exfoliant?
Most body exfoliants are designed for use 2-3 times per week at maximum. Over-exfoliating can lead to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Listen to your skin – if it feels tight or raw, cut back on exfoliating frequency.
When should I exfoliate – before or after showering?
Apply body exfoliants to dry skin before bathing or showering. Let the product sit for a minute or two before the steam and water help loosen and rinse away the dead skin cells and particles. Exfoliating before also allows the moisture to better absorb after.
Are vitamin E exfoliants suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, vitamin E is very gentle and soothing for sensitive skin types. Seek out formulas free of fragrances, dyes, and other common irritants. Avoid harsh plastic microbeads. Introduce new products slowly and discontinue use if any reaction occurs.
Can vitamin E body exfoliants help with keratosis pilaris bumps?
Yes, consistent gentle exfoliation can help unclog keratin plugs in hair follicles to smooth those dry rough bumps. Vitamin E nourishes the skin barrier. Start by using a vitamin E body scrub 2-3 times per week, then increase to daily use if well-tolerated. Pat skin dry and follow with a rich, non-fragranced moisturizer.
Will an exfoliating scrub work better than a vitamin E cleanser?
Scrubs provide more intensive mechanical exfoliation from the scrubbing particles. Cleansers rely more on chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid for cell turnover. Using both can give you the benefits of each – just avoid doing so on the same day to prevent over-exfoliating.
What is the difference between vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and vitamin E acetate?
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is the bioavailable antioxidant form that benefits skin. Vitamin E acetate is a cheaper synthetic derivative with much lower skin absorption and bioactivity. Look for natural vitamin E from food sources like oils.
Do vitamin E enriched body exfoliants provide sun protection?
While vitamin E offers some photoprotection from UV damage, it is not enough sunscreen to replace SPF. Always follow up exfoliating with a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen for necessary UV protection. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
Can I use a vitamin E body exfoliant if I struggle with body acne?
Yes, vitamin E is non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog pores and cause breakouts. The gentle exfoliating action also helps remove dead skin cells and excess oil that cause acne. Avoid heavy oils if very acne-prone and introduce new products slowly. Check for any reactions.
Are vitamin E body exfoliants safe to use during pregnancy?
Most vitamin E exfoliants are gentle enough for pregnancy when following directions. But it’s best to check with your doctor before starting use of any new product while pregnant. Cease use if any irritation develops and switch to a plain moisturizer.
Do I need any special tools or brushes to apply vitamin E body exfoliants?
Vitamin E exfoliants can be applied easily with just your clean hands. Some brands offer optional accompanying brushes, pads, gloves, or poufs that can help enhance the scrubbing action. But these accessories are not essential to benefit from these exfoliants.
Conclusion: Love Your Skin from the Outside In
A Vitamin E enriched body exfoliant is like a weekly mini spa-treatment for your skin – pampering it to reveal a softer, smoother, healthier looking outer layer. Sloughing away those dead dulling cells allows the radiance of fresh new skin to shine through.
Vitamin E nourishes skin on a deeper level too. Its antioxidant and emollient properties help strengthen the moisture barrier and shield from environmental damage. No wonder enriched exfoliants are so popular!
With the right vitamin E formula suited to your skin’s needs, you can tackle common texture issues like rough bumps, flakes, and dullness. Consistent yet gentle exfoliation is key to banishing these problems for good. But never overdo it, as that can trigger irritation and dryness.
Treat yourself to a skin-nourishing vitamin E body scrub or polish a couple times a week. Follow with rich, antioxidant-packed creams or lotions to seal in that moisture and protection. We recommend picking a scented formula that brings a little aromatherapy relaxation to your self-care sessions.
Give your body skin some love with a little exfoliating and nourishing help from vitamin E. Your skin will thank you with brighter tone, increased softness, and an irresistible healthy glow.
